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Backlash for Susno begins after testimony at Antasari hearing

Source
Jakarta Globe - January 8, 2010

Hard days seem to be on the horizon for former National Police detective chief Comr. Gen. Susno Duadji after his controversial move to testify at the Antasari Azhar trial, with the police counterterror squad allegedly showing up at his house on Thursday night after the hearing.

Susno told detik.com that a Densus 88 truck arrived at his private residence on Thursday night and parked outside after he testified at South Jakarta Court in Antasari's trial for the murder of businessman Nasrudin Zulkarnaen, making allegations against his fellow National Police officers.

"A Densus 88 truck came to my house last night. My wife and children were very scared," Susno told detik.com.

Susno Duadji had already moved out of his official house at Jalan Panglima Polim, South Jakarta. The mansion is occupied by his successor, Comr. Gen. Ito Sumardi, and Susno lives at his private residence on the outskirts of South Jakarta.

Susno said that he regretted that the National Police considered his testimony "a problem." "I never thought that sad consequences would await a high-ranked official with three stars who answered a court summons to be a witness as a law abiding citizen," he said.

According to Susno, the consequences have included the withdrawal of his chauffeur, personal assistant and bodyguards, as well as the menacing appearance of the Densus 88 truck. Police have not yet responded to Susno's claims.

Meanwhile, Sumardi said Susno should have asked for his superior's permission before he took the witness stand at Antasari's hearing. "He should have asked for permission from the National Police chief first," Ito said at the National Police Headquarters on Thursday.

Ito said that, according to procedure, a police officer who conducts any activities outside office during working hours must notify and ask for his superior's permission. Ito said the National Police will conduct an internal investigation.

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